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The Knockdown Center took a straight right to the chin courtesy of the State Liquor Authority (SLA).
The SLA denied the Maspeth arts center’s license application at a full board hearing Tuesday. The center had applied for a cabaret class license, which would have allowed the it to serve liquor at events that have “musical entertainment” for 600 or more people.
“This is a vital step in preserving residents’ quality of life and maintaining the needed level of neighborhood safety,” said state Sen. Joseph Addabbo. “I will continue to fight to keep our homes and streets a safe haven when it comes to the Knockdown Center as well as any other establishment threatening our way of life. I look forward to an open dialogue regarding the future of this site.”
The center applied for the license despite heavy opposition from Community Board 5, neighborhood leaders and politicians, who feared that it would negatively impact the community.
The center, a former glass and door factory turned arts hall, has hosted everything from weddings, Tiki Disco parties, a mini-golf art exhibition and, most recently, a flea market. Owners also want to host art classes, concerts and large exhibits in the future.
In a letter in March following the application, the community board cited several reasons why they don’t want the center to have the liquor license, including extra pressure it will put on the 104th Precinct during events, the possible influx of vehicular traffic and problems it could bring to nearby residences.
Representatives from the center didn’t return calls for comment as of print time.
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